The Telling Stories Podcast

from rural Somerset to colonial Virginia, this episode explores what indenture really meant and how, paper thin contracts could bind a family and shape generations.

come settle in  for a soft, heartfelt start to the season. a story where joy and sorrow hold hands, and two barefoot sisters wading Rolling Creek teach us about memories and gratitude.

"Why We're Telling Stories" Explains the heart of this porch project. Amy shares how her own people came to Virginia as servants, exiles, and seekers, and why she believes every ordinary life deserves to be remembered. from moonshiners to preachers, pioneers to boogeymen, these stories aren't sugarcoated, just honest, human, and worth telling before they disappear.

For the first time ever Rik and Andrew are joined by a guest host! Trey Herweck, Lead Pastor at Refuge Church in St. Charles, MO, joins us to find the gospel themes and Christian messages in 1989's cult classic "Say Anything". 

This episode is about the very cool, and very underrated movie "About Time", starring the very talented pair of Damhnall Gleeson and Rachael McAdams. Sometimes misrepresented as a Rom-Com, "About Time" is the story of the love of a father and can teach us a lot about God's love. So its a great narrative with plenty of Christian themes throughout. Enjoy another episode of our podcast about finding the gospel in movies and modern culture.

In this episode we look at many of the gospel themes in Damien Chazelle's "La La Land", another jazz-centric movie from one of Hollywood's brightest up-and-coming directors. In a movie about finding your passion, it's no surprise that we get passionate in our breakdown of the film. Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, and John Legend, this is a good one, and the gospel is abundant. Enjoy.

Andrew and Rik nerd out on Monty Python and Indiana Jones as we dive into the legend of the Grail Quest and the allegory that can be seen. This episode is proof that you can find the gospel anywhere you look for it, even Monty Python. It's fun, it's light, and fun to listen to, so enjoy one of our best episodes yet. 

In this episode Rik and Andrew talk through 2014's "Whiplash", a phenomenal film that has much to teach us about the gospel and our relationship with the Father. This movie is acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, so there's definitely something here for you to like. 

In this episode Andrew and Rik break down 2006's "Stranger Than Fiction", a film loaded with an all star cast of Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emma Thompson, and Dustin Hoffman. This is also a movie loaded with meaningful gospel themes and Christian messaging. 

In this week's episode Rik and Andrew breakdown the gospel themes and messaging in 2017's "Logan". I really wish I had a more clever title, but I promise the episode is much better than the title.  On the Telling Stories Podcast we look at the places where popular culture and Christian culture intersect. Even when when it is unintentional, especially when it's unintentional actually, popular filmmakers mirror gospel messages and themes in their work. We talk about it and have fun breaking down those films. Enjoy.

In this episode we find the gospel messages and Christian themes in 2002's "Road to Perdition", featuring a star studded cast of Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, and Daniel Craig. This is a great film, which made for a great episode. Hope you enjoy.

On this episode we break down the epic "Baby Driver", written and directed by Edgar Wright. We break down the gospel themes and Biblical influences on one of the coolest movies made in recent memory. Starring Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, and Jon Hamm this is an episode you really need to watch. Video Version of the podcast, in it's entirety, is available at: youtube.com/tellingstories I obviously don't own Baby Driver or any related properties. So, all rights belong to those that do. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

In this episode we dive into the deep waters of "Manchester by the Sea", 2017's Academy Award winner for Best Original Screenplay. This movie features a dynamic performance from its lead, Casey Affleck, who also won an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance. Join us as we analyze the film and look for the Christian influence and gospel themes.

The second episode of our friendly neighborhood podcast sees us chat our way through Richard Donner's 1985 cult classic "The Goonies". We examine the Christian themes and gospel influences and the ways that Donner's story can be viewed as an allegory to our walk as believers. This is a fun episode representing a fun movie, so enjoy. Don't forget to subscribe! Video version available at: youtube.com/tellingstories

Welcome to the very first episode of the Telling Stories Podcast. The Telling Stories Podcast features Andrew Crabtree (a nobody that loves pop culture) and Rik Maxedon (a pastor that loves pop culture). Join us as we analyze our favorite films for Christian themes and hopefully show you how to find the gospel influence in movies you love. This episode is an introduction to the way we watch films and will set up what the podcast will become in the following episodes. Video version available at Youtube.com/tellingstories I obviously don't own any of the movies depicted in this (or any subsequent) video or any related properties. So, all rights belong to those that do. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.